The exact definition of colitis is " inflammation of the colon", which is the penultimate section of the large intestine, anterior to the rectum. In practice, it translates into a diarrhea that we will call large intestine, to differentiate it from what is known as small intestine diarrhea, although the limit is often confusing. This is often a rather theoretical division to facilitate guidance in the diagnosis of colitis in cats.
We can be somewhat surprised to see our cat suffering from an episode of acute diarrhea and, therefore, in this article on our site we will talk about colitis in cats, its symptoms and treatment, as a guide until our veterinarian advises us on the correct process to tackle it, depending on the underlying cause.
Symptoms of colitis in cats
Given the above, it is clear that we are going to find our cat with the full range of symptoms associated with diarrhea, with certain variations depending on the cause that is causing this situation. We understand by diarrhea an increase in the volume and frequency of daily stools. Thus, the most common symptoms of colitis in cats are:
- Voluminous and frequent stools, generally without shape (pasty), but with normal color.
- Feces with whitish mucus and/or fresh blood, the latter depending on whether the culprit is a parasite or the degree of irritation of the intestinal mucosa.
- Frequent visits to the litter box adopting the typical evacuation posture, although finally he is unable to defecate. We can also see him in this position for a long time at the end of the bowel movement, because there is always the sensation of incomplete evacuation (tenesmus). Sometimes, this urgency translates into finding feces in places more or less close to the litter box, if it has not had time to get there.
- Anal irritation from too many stools (2-3 times the usual number of times, although it varies by cat), or from licking constant from the area to remain traces of feces and try to clean it. This irritation is called 'proctitis'.
- In the case of chronic colitis, whatever the cause, the cat's general condition may worsen, with rough, unkempt fur, progressive thinning, etc. being observed. However, chronic colitis is not very common in cats, contrary to what happens in dogs, and we usually find them as an acute pathology, rather than sustained over time.
Colitis in cats due to parasites
One of the most common causes of what we call colitis is the presence of parasites in the intestine They do not have to be specifically housed in the colon, but they can cause the typical diarrhea of the large intestine, and sometimes, other types of symptoms. The most common to find in cats are:
Microscopic parasites
Coccidia, Giardia or Trichomonas fetus. They usually cause acute colitis, with days in which relatively normal feces can be observed and, in general, the cat's condition, apart from diarrhea, is normal.
- In the case of Giardia, they can also cause symptoms of small intestine involvement, such as vomiting and loss of appetite, if very severe, but generally we see unshaped stools, which may contain a drop of fresh blood and/or whitish mucus.
- In the case of Coccidia, diarrhea with a clearly increased volume and a quite characteristic odor are observed.
- Trichomonas fetus is an underdiagnosed parasite that must be taken into account.
The diagnosis of these parasites is based on stool tests performed by the veterinarian, with stool samples from several days, and there is a rapid kitt for Giardia. Trichomonas fetus may require a PCR culture of the stool, that is, the laboratory specifically looks for the DNA of the parasite. In the case of Coccidiosis, they respond quite well to treatment with diclazuril or toltrazuril. Against Giardia, some vets prefer metronidazole and others fenbendazole. Trichomonas fetus responds well to ronidazole or metronidazole, taking into account that their administration in cats is not exempt from complications, so exhaustive monitoring must be carried out.
Good hygiene and disinfection is essential, and avoid overcrowding in cat communities (shelters, cattery…) to control these parasites and prevent the appearance of feline colitis.
On the other hand, Toxoplasma gondii deserves a paragraph, as it is a very important microscopic parasite for public he alth, responsible for the dreaded toxoplasmosis. In the usual clinic of the cat, however, although it can cause diarrhoea, it usually appears in consultation camouflaged with the most varied symptoms: neurological, ocular… In any case, it should never be ruled out when a study is carried out if it is suspected that the person responsible of diarrhea is a protozoan.
Macroscopic parasite
Trichuris, the "whipworm", is not very common in cats, but its anchorage in the large intestine can cause diarrhea with some blood in the case of intense parasitosis. It is sensitive to most conventional antiparasitic drugs, but it must be followed up with coprological studies every month, as sometimes it is difficult to get rid of it.
Infectious colitis in cats
This catch-all includes diarrhea identified as occurring in the large intestine that responds to an infectious cause, whether due to a virus or bacteria.
- Viral: feline coronavirus, responsible for feline infectious peritonitis, feline leukemia virus, parvovirus, causing panleukopenia, rotavirus and others less known such as toravirus, can cause acute or subacute diarrhoea, so the veterinarian will carry out the rigorous tests to rule them out when we go to the consultation with our cat.
- Bacterial: a bacterial overgrowth in the gut that occurs when a normal bacteria begins to overgrow out of order, or a bacterial infection, can cause diarrhea, as occurs in cases of Salmonella, C lostridium, or Escherichia coli. Depending on the bacteria isolated by DNA tests, a specific antibiotic protocol will be established or, if there is no time, a broad-spectrum empirical antibiotic treatment can be established to improve symptoms.
Colitis in cats due to inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of pathologies that gives rise to chronic diarrhoea, much more frequent in dogs than in cats, although it should never be ruled out. Very briefly, we can say that the mucosa of the intestine is infiltrated by defensive cells of different types or mixed, hence they are differentiated into: eosinophilic colitis, plasmacytic colitis, lymphocytic colitis…. The origin is usually an immune disorder, and treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation, basically with corticosteroids, and suppressing the immune response that causes this situation, with immunosuppressants. However, a high dose of corticosteroids can have a sufficient immunosuppressive effect, and can sometimes be combined with other anti-inflammatory agents such as sulfasalazine.
Other causes of colitis in cats
Large intestine diarrhea can be found in multiple diseases, but we would observe symptoms more directed towards these pathologies in addition to diarrhea in most cases. Thus, other causes of colitis in cats are:
- Partial or early intestinal obstruction.
- Intestinal neoplasms.
- Liver disease.
- Invagination of an intestinal loop.
- Septicemia (generalized infection).
Dietary management of colitis in cats
Feline diarrhea or colitis usually responds quite well to dietary management, regardless of its origin, and regardless of the specific therapy for what is causing it. Therefore, it should be noted that the diet for cats with colitis should be complementary to the treatment.
Cats with colitis can greatly benefit from an initial fasting from solids for a few hours (6 to 12 hours), if the veterinarian considers it appropriate and as long as there are no contraindications. Fresh water should be freely available to you, unless otherwise instructed, which is rare.
The so-called soft diet, very easy to do in dogs, has a drawback in this case: we have a cat. In general, they are neophobic in food, and in everything, and systematically reject everything that they have not known in the first months of life. Starting to eat small amounts of a quality protein, such as cooked chicken or turkey breast, with a fermented dairy product, such as fresh cheese or natural yogurt, and a source of carbohydrates with fiber such as brown rice, is something that cats do not they usually consider as an appetizing option no matter how hungry they are if they have not eaten it before. For this reason, almost all feed brands have a range called "gastrointestinal", in extruded feed or wet food, to help in the recovery of colitis. The protein source and a high amount of prebiotic fiber are the basis of the success of these products.
However, if we are lucky enough to have a cat that is less gourmet in terms of culinary tastes, a valid option if our finances do not allow us to purchase one of these feeds is soft diet combined with pre/probiotic sachets, quite affordable, in paste or gel. A small amount of food, several times a day, can help regularize intestinal transit.
Following the diet for 3-5 days, in addition to pre/probiotics, can resolve diarrhea when it is due to situations of sudden change in diet, stress, excessive intake of some food that they have been able to steal our cats from the table without us realizing it, or when some drug can give them a gastrointestinal reaction. If the cause of colitis in cats is one of the pathologies mentioned, remember that it is essential to follow the instructions of the veterinarian.
